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Important Daily Facts of the Day

18Sep
2024

18 September 2024, Quick Facts of the Day

18 September 2024, Quick Facts of the Day

1.         The Telangana government is set to create an AI City to position itself as a global hub for Artificial Intelligence. This initiative will focus on research, development, and application of AI technologies, supported by an AI School to enhance education in the field. Collaborating with Nasscom, the Telangana AI Mission will implement an AI framework to prevent misuse of technology. Private sector partnerships will establish Centres of Excellence in critical sectors, aiming to develop skills for over 2.5 lakh students and professionals. Additionally, a partnership with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) will establish an AI Research Lab to improve governance services through AI innovations.

 

2.         The joint European-Japanese BepiColombo mission has successfully completed its fourth flyby of Mercury, bringing it closer to its goal of orbiting the planet. This flyby provided the first-ever view of Mercury's South Pole, marking a significant milestone in the mission. BepiColombo, launched in October 2018 by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), aims to study Mercury's surface, composition, magnetic field, and solar interactions. Mercury, the smallest and closest planet to the Sun, takes 88 Earth days to complete a rotation but is not the hottest planet—that title belongs to Venus due to its thick atmosphere. The mission's orbital insertion is now set for November 2026.

 

3.         The first meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) governing board, chaired by the Prime Minister, focused on initiatives to enhance India's research capabilities. Key programs discussed include Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR), aimed at fostering collaborations between top-tier and lesser-researched institutions through a Hub and Spoke framework. The Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA) will prioritize strategic research, with immediate focus on EV Mobility and Advanced Materials. Additionally, ANRF Centres of Excellence will be established to create world-class research environments. ANRF was formed under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023, to cultivate a culture of research and innovation across India.

 

4.         Recently, the Indian Navy launched INS Malpe and INS Mulki, the fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft (SWC) project, at Cochin Shipyard Ltd. This follows the unveiling of INS Mahe, INS Malvan, and INS Mangrol in 2023. Named after strategically important ports along India's coastline, these Mahe-class ASW SWCs are equipped with advanced indigenously developed underwater sensors. They are designed for anti-submarine operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations, and Mine Laying Operations, capable of reaching speeds of 25 knots with an endurance of up to 1,800 nautical miles.

 

5.         The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, emphasizing India’s commitment to renewable energy. Key highlights include banks pledging ₹32.45 trillion for green projects, with significant contributions from Reliance (₹6 trillion) and SBI (₹5 trillion). Manufacturers committed to additional capacities of 340 GW in solar modules and 22 GW in wind turbines. India also invited global investments to meet increasing energy demands sustainably and announced a 76% reduction in solar power plant tariffs. The installed renewable capacity has grown from 75.52 GW in 2014 to over 207.7 GW in 2024, with Reliance pledging to install 100 GW by 2030.